Powered by Dassault Systèmes’ 3DExperience platform, SolidWorks 2017 features more core power and performance, as well as new capabilities to address paperless manufacturing through the support of Model Based Definition and printed circuit board (PCB) design.

Simulations allow users to analyse, solve, visualise and verify the functionality of their designs before committing to the creation of any physical prototypes. New tools in SolidWorks 2017 unlock any 3D model for easier collaboration with different vendors and customers, while dynamic product data management (PDM) from concept through to manufacturing allows for stronger support of multi-site and remote teams.

“SolidWorks 2017 simplifies the design and development process with a better user experience, new capabilities for emerging technologies, and improved functionality for seamless collaboration with teams and networks,” said Gian Paolo Bassi, CEO, SolidWorks, Dassault Systèmes.“Each year, our SolidWorks community’s feedback drives our research and development to offer a flexible product portfolio for business, design and engineering needs.We are excited to put even more power and performance in their hands with SolidWorks 2017.”

The new software version incorporates many of the most-requested features from users, along with new capabilities and enhancements to the overall platform. SolidWorks 3D Interconnect opens 3D CAD data directly from other software vendors, such asCreo, CATIAV5, SolidEdge, NX and Inventor, so users can work seamlessly with other companies and incorporate design changes faster.

For complex projects, the Magnetic Mates feature speeds up the design of large assemblies and factory and machine layouts. An Advanced Hole Wizard allows the creation of customised holes and the Wrap feature now works for any surface, with an Offset 3D Curve for surfaces with multiple faces. The Visualize Boost feature supports network rendering, to speed up redraw. There is also support for VR rendering and viewing, for cameras such as HTCVive, Oculus Rift, GoogleCardboard and Samsung VR.

“We must fulfill a lot of medical device requirements and SolidWorks has been helpful for leveraging cutting-edge industrial design to get our work done faster and our myoelectric upper limb orthosis to market,” said Andrew Harlan, principal mechanical engineer, Myomo.

“We exclusively use SolidWorks for the full spectrum of our design work. The ability to collaborate with industrial designers, consultants and manufacturers across different time zones simplifies the whole process. The SolidWorks models are so accurate and appealing that we can quickly design, iterate and improve a highly technical part.”